‘Time to reflect’: January is Tamil Heritage Month in Canada
Posted January 2, 2023 2:43 pm.
Last Updated January 2, 2023 6:35 pm.
Across Canada, people are gearing up to celebrate Tamil Heritage Month this January.
In a statement from Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth of Canada, Ahmed Hussen, says the month is a “time to reflect on the rich history, culture, resiliency, and strength of Tamil communities across the country.”
Hussen adds that Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil migrations in the world.
According to the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC), an estimated 300,000 people speak Tamil in Canada, with an estimated 10 per cent (around 30,000 people) living in B.C.
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“Canadians of Tamil heritage have been instrumental in making it the country it is today. Whether it’s in the world of business, politics, the arts, or other fields, Tamil communities continue to play a vital and inspiring role in our society,” Hussen said.
“Over the course of this month, members of the Tamil community will come together to celebrate the many great contributions that they have made and continue to make, and it serves as an opportunity for everyone to acknowledge and honour their tremendous achievements,” he said.
One of these celebrations is Thai Pongal, the harvest festival. This year, CHF BC says the event will take place on Jan. 14 to 17.
“During this the four-day festival, family and friends gather to give thanks for the year’s bountiful harvest. Notably, they share Pongal, a traditional dish prepared from the new harvest of rice boiled in milk with raw sugar,” CHF BC said on its website.
Hussen says that the celebration is for everyone, and encourages Canadians to learn more about the populace.
“I invite Canadians from coast to coast to coast to join in on the celebrations and to learn more about the Tamil language and culture throughout the month of January and beyond,” he said.
“Happy Tamil Heritage Month!” Hussen added.
